Searching for Bed Bugs Sprays that do kill bed bugs? You came to the right place!
We researched and reviewed dozens of products that are available online to give you our top picks for the best Sprays for bed bugs.
Pros and Cons of Bed Bug Spray
Pros
- When used in combination with other processes and when following manufacturer’s instructions on the label, sprays can be an effective weapon in a bed bug eradication process.
- Generally safe to use (With an approval from the EPA and when used correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions).
Cons
- You should use it in combination with other methods to ensure better results
- They can, in some cases, become resistant to insecticides over time
- Caution is necessary when using Bed Bug Spray
What to Look for in Bed Bug Sprays
Here are the things to look for when selecting a spray:
Type
Bed bug sprays are usually either water-based or oil-based.
We advise you to pick a water-based product as generally they won’t stain surfaces unlike oil-based Bed bug sprays. The products reviewed in this article are all water-based.
Indeed, as you should use bed bug sprays in areas such as furniture or bed frames, you could leave stains on those areas with a product.
Surface application
Bed bug sprays are usually sprayed where they could be hiding or places where they could cross such as bed frames, bed boards or furniture among others. If you want however to spray directly on your mattress you should pick a spray that is specifically designed for this usage. Because not all sprays can be applied directly on the mattress due to the presence of certain types of insecticides.
Ingredients
Most common Bed bug sprays are formulated with pyrethrins, pyrethroids, desiccants, chlorfenapyr or neonicotinoids among others. Those substances are powerful so you should be cautious with the usage of such insecticides and follow the label’s instructions.
Bed bug sprays with natural ingredients are also available, and are formulated with plant oils such as geranium oil or cold pressed neem oil. But in some cases, the presence of insecticide such as pyrethrins in sprays, is necessary to ensure eradication of bed bugs.
Best is also to buy the latest version of the desired product with the most recent chemical compound to ensure they have not become resistant over time to the old formulas and as result not to waste your money.
Contact vs. Residual
Bed bug sprays come in two categories: Contact and residual bed bug spray.
Contact spray will immediately kill the bug upon contact. Contact sprays are useful to treat a small infestation or to spray directly on a bed bug’s nest or to treat your luggage after a trip.
Residual spray will kill them slowly but will also last longer. They will be helpful as it could kill several generations of bugs and will also spread the poison in the colony due to its long-lasting effect. Indeed, Residual spray will also enable poison transmission to other bugs in the colony and eggs and nymphs. Always check the longevity of the residual bed spray before purchasing one.
How do you spray a room for bed bugs?
Even though you would have in your arsenal the best sprays for bed bugs, you would need to apply the product properly to maximize results. This is what we will focus on in this paragraph.
- First, verify that the pesticide that you want to use is registered with the EPA. A product not professionally approved could potentially be more dangerous than the presence of bed bugs.
- Also remember to not use outdoor pesticides indoors and not to apply pesticides onto the skin
- Then if you know where they are located you can use a contact spray directly onto them to kill them on contact.
- Then you should use a residual spray and spray areas where you suspect they could be crossing and hiding, which generally includes: Bed legs, box spring, bed frames, baseboards, cracks and crevices around the bed areas or any furniture close to the bed. Indeed, they usually live close to where their human hosts sleep.
- To confirm the presence of bed bugs, Monitoring devices such as ClimbUp will help you to detect them when the human eye cannot due to the fact that they like to hide in cracks and crevices.
- You cannot rely on a single use of a spray. Indeed, Bed bugs lay eggs and, even though you thought you may have killed the entire adults. The eggs could have survived and could provoke a resurgence of the infestation. As most sprays are also effective against eggs, we recommend several applications. You could for instance spray 4 times with at least a few days in between applications. Best is to spray until there are no more bed bugs signs in your home.
- Ventilate your room and surroundings after bed bugs spray application.
FAQ
Which spray do professionals use for bed bugs treatment?
Common professional products will usually include pyrethroids, pyrethrins, imidacloprid, piperonyl butoxide, lambda-cyhalothrin or bifenthrin.
They will come in 3 forms usually:
- A Contact spray for application on surfaces
- A residual spray for application in cracks and crevices, as well as inside various furniture
- A dust insecticide (also called bed bugs powder) for tight spaces such as electrical outlets
Can you sleep on the bed directly after spraying?
We do not recommend sleeping in the mattress (or bed) that you just sprayed the same day.
Usually, insecticide against bed bugs lasts for up to 6 hours or sometimes more. So, you should at least wait during this time frame. You should rely on the manufacturer’s instructions in any cases and situations.
Also do not forget to ventilate your room after having sprayed it.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Bed Bug Sprays Alone?
Never go for a single method when dealing with those bloodsucking insects. Even though you would have in your arsenal the best sprays for bed bugs. Best results come with combining methods such as Steaming, vacuuming as well as using Mattress Encasement and bed bugs Traps.
You should integrate beds in a process that combines different actions to effectively eradicate those critters.
We advise you for example to combine the insecticides with prevention tools, such as mattress covers and bed bug interceptors as well as non-chemical tactics such as steam or heat.
You will find a detailed and complete guide on how to eradicate bed bugs using different methods on our website.
Reviews of the Best sprays for Bed bugs
Bedlam Bed Bug Spray
Bedlam plus is a popular bed bug spray. However, you may not find this brand easily in physical stores and outlets but it is easily available online. The Bedlam plus spray kills adults and eggs on contact and has an average of two weeks of residual killing power. This spray will not stain because it is water-based and you can use it on any fabrics and materials including your mattress. You should apply this product where you think that they are hiding, which is usually not far away from where the human host is sleeping. Always follow label directions to ensure safe use.
Pros
- Kills bed bugs and eggs on contact
- It has a residual killing power of two weeks
- You can use it on all fabrics and on a mattress
Cons
- The smell is not the worst from what we tested but not the most pleasant one either
- Often out of stock
HARRIS Bed Bug and Egg Killer
Harris is a reputable pest brand registered with the EPA. This HARRIS Bed bug Killer is a liquid spray that will last for up to 4 months. This long residual effect time range will help you in your fight against them and it will be also cost effective as you will not need to reapply as often compared to a product with a shorter time effect. Unlike other sprays it is non-staining and does not feature any smell, which is a plus if sprayed on your personal belongings. Always read and follow manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe use.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 4 months
- Powerful formula that is quickly effective to kill Bed bugs
- Does not stain
- Odorless
Cons
- Sprayer nozzle could be more precise